Stereotype plate casting machine



Oct. 24, 1950 w. F. HUCK sTEREoTYPE PLATE CASTING MACHINE l2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 14, 1945 0ct. 24, 1950 K w. F. HUcK 2,526,753

V STEREOTYPE PLATE CASTING MACHINE Filed June 14, 1945 12 Sheets-Sheet 2 MM iw BY v ATTO R N EY Oct. Z4, 1950 W. F. HUCK STEREOTYPE .PLATE CASTING MACHINE ATT RNEY l2 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR WOQM,

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Filed June 14, R45

Oct. 24, 1950 w F. HUcK sTEREoTYPE PLATE CASTING MACHINE l2 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 14, 1945 INVENTOR dom?. M

ATTORN EY Odi. 24, 1950 Y w- F, HUCK 2,526,753

` STEREOTYPE PLATE CASTING MACHINE Filed June 14, 1945 21.2 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR ATTORNEY Oct. 24, 1950r w. F. HucK sTEREoTYPE PLATE CASTING MACH INE l2 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed June 14, 1945 ATTORNEY Oct. 24, 1950 w F, HUCK 2,526,753

STEREOTYPE PLATE CASTING MACHINE Filed June 14, 1945 12 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTOR gage 'a 77 ATTORNEY Oct. 24, 1950 w. F. HUcK sTEREo'rYPE PLATE CASTING MACHINE l2 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed June 14, 1945 ATTO R N EY Oct. 24, 1950 w. F. HUcK 2,526,753

STEREOTYPE PLATE CASTING MACHINE Filed June 14, 1945 l2 Sheets-Sheet l0 4 450 44e 2P @5 L /09 o 520,2 JP@ INVENTOR :l a BY )f/ ATTORN EY Oct. 24, 1950 y w. F. HUCK I 2,526,753

sTEREoTYPE PLATE CASTING MACHINE med Juna 14, 1945 12 sheets-sheet 11 INVENTOR ATTORNEY Oct. 24, 1950 W. F, HUCK 2,526,753

STEREOTYPE PLATE CASTING MACHINE Filed June 14, 1945 l2 Sheets-Sheet l2 Patented ct. 24, 1950 STEREOTYPE PLATE CASTING MACHINE William F. Huck, Forest Hills, N. Y., assignor to R. Hoe & Co., Inc., New York, N. Y., a corpora'- tion of New York Application June 14, 1945, Serial No. 599,474

(Cl. T52- 2) 2 Claims.

This invention relates to casting stereotype printing plates for use with rotary printing machines, and more particularly to improved methods and means for casting and automatically handling such plates.

One object of the invention is to provide an improved stereotype printing plate casting ma chine that will cast plates without heavy tails.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved stereotype plate casting machine in which molten metal is constantly circulated through the ducts by. means of which it is carried to the casting mould.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved stereotype plate casting machine in which all of the operating mechanism is conveniently accessible, yet any molten metal escaping from the machine will drain into the pot.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved stereotype plate casting ma chine that will automatically cast any desired number of plates, and provided with interlocking control mechanism for preventing improper operation of the machine.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description and claims.

A preferred embodimentof the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, where- Figure 1 is a plan view of a stereotype plate casting machine in which features of the invention are incorporated, the mechanism being shown with the casting mold closed;

Figure 2 is a side elevation partly in section, of the machine shown in Figure l;

Figure 3 is a sectional View on the vertical line 3 3 of Figure 2 seen in the direction of the arrows, and showing by-pass valves and associated mechanism;

Figure 4 is a sectional View on the Vertical line 4--4 of Figure 3, showing a spout for supplying molten metal to the casting chamber;

Figure 5 is a plan View showing a lower portion of the mechanism on the line 5-5 of Figure 2, the upper portion having been removed;

Figure 6 is a sectional view of a vertical plane at the center of the mold members and on the lines 6-6 of Figure 5, including parts of the mold members, not shown in Figure 5;

Figurey 6A is a fragmentary vertical sectional view, similar to Figure 6, butshowing the section at the line (iA-6A of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary plan view of a corner of the casting mold showing the back and core 2 members of the casting mold in their relative positions at the start and finish of a plate casting cycle of operation, which is referred to herein as the starting position, and with the matrix clamps opened to permit removal or insertion of a matrix;

Figure 8 is a View similar to Figure 7, with the matrix clamps closed and gripping a matrix;

Figure 9 is a View similar to Figure 8 showing the parts as they appear when the mold is fully closed;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary View of a portion of the mold as seen in the direction of the arrow l0 of Figure 9;

Figure l1 is an elevational View of the outside of the mold generally as seen in the same direction as Figure 2, but with some of the parts omitted, and other parts as viewed in the direction of arrow I l in Figure 7;

Figure 12 is a vertical sectional View, the upper portion as seen along the center line, and the lower portion along the broken line |2-l2 of Figure 12A and showing a portion of the mold, and of the mechanism for aligning the mold members and locking them in casting position;

Figure 12A is a plan view of a portion of the mechanism shownin Figure 12 with the mold members and spout removed; y

Figure 13 is a detailed view partly in section showing some of the parts shown in Figure 12, when the corev is in the plate discharge position shown in Figure 24F;

Figure 14 is a fragmentary View showing certain parts of the mold registering and locking mechanism as seen in the direction of the arrow I4 in Figure 12;

Figure 15 is a fragmentary outside elevational View partly broken away and partly in section showing the motor operated mold locking mechanism as seen in the direction of the arrow I5 in Figure 2;

Figure 16 is an elevational view partly broken away and partly in section, showing the motor operated core moving mechanism as seen on the broken line lG-l 6 of Figure 2 Figure 17 is an elevational view partly in section showing the motor operated metal pump and associated parts;

Figure 18 is a fragmentary vertical section-al View showing the molten metal duct as seen on the line |8-I8 of Figure 17;

Figure 19 isa face View of a stereotype printing plate cast by the machine;

Figure 20 is an end View of the plate showing the tails of the casting on the line 2-20 of 3 Figure 19 and looking in the direction of the arrow;

Figure 2l is a schematic electrical wiring diagram showing a preferred means for controlling the operation of the casting machine.

Figure 22 is a view showing a motor operated vacuum pump suitable for use with the casting machine;

Figure 23 is a schematic illustration of a motor operated timing device suitable for use with the casting machine;

Figure 24A to 24G are diagrammatic views showing various positions of certain moving members of the casting machine during its cycle of operation. Specifically Figure 24A shows the members in starting position,-.Figure 24B shows them in the nearly closed position, Figure 24C shows them in the fully closed or locked position, Figure 24D shows them in unlocked position, Figure 24E shows them in an intermediate transfer position, Figure 24F shows them in platedischarge position, Figure 24C? shows them in intermediate returning position; and

Figure 25 shows a modified form of plate discharge mechanism.

Referring to the drawings, the invention is shown as applied to a machine for automatically casting curved stereotype printing plates. Similar reference characters designate corresponding parts, with the subscripts a andb being used with the same numeral to designate similar parts disposed toward the front and toward the back of the machine, respectively. Infsorne instances a or b parts are not shown on the drawings, but it will be understood that parts not shown are similar, except for location, to the parts that are shown. Main front and back side frame members 30a and 39h are arranged to conveniently support the machine components.

A closed semi-cylindrical casting chamber or mold 3|, (Figure l2) having a vertical axis, has one wall formed by a stationary concave outermold member, or back 32, and another wall formed by a movable semi-cylindrical convex inner-mold member or core 33. The back has an outer or water-cooled section 34 and an inner or vacuum section 36 bolted together by bolts (not shown), and the water-cooled section 34 is supported from the frame 30a and 39h.

Opening and closing the mold The core 33 is carried by and swingable about pivot pins 31a and 31h (Figures 2 and 12) located at the upper end of a pair of main operatingarms 38a and 38h (Figure l), respectively, that are pivotally mounted on pins 39 (Figure 2) carried by a cross brace 4| secured at its opposite ends to the main frames 30a and 39D by-means of bolts 42. A pair of brackets 43a and 43D (Figure l), secured to the core 33, each carryv pins 46a and 451) to which the upper ends of links 41a and 41h, are pivotally connected, and the lower ends of their links are fulcrumed from Xed pins 48a carried by `brackets 49a supported from the frames 39a and 39h. Connecting rods a and 5|b are pivotally secured to the arms 38a and 38h at intermediate points by pins 52a and 52h, and the other ends of the rods 5| are pivotally carried on the ends of pins 53a and 53h that protrude from opposite faces of a pair of main crank plates 54a and 54D.

The crank plates 54a and -5ib"("igure 16) each have an inwardly extending tubular portion 56 iitted to a shaftI 51, that is rotatably mounted in ball bearings 58, supported from a housing 4 59, secured to cross members 6| (Figure 2). The cross members are secured between the main frame members 30a and 30D by bolts 63 (Figure 16). The housing 59 encloses a worm wheel 64 that is keyed to the shaft 51 by a key 66, which also keys the crank plates 54a and 54h to the shaft 51, thus causing the worm wheel 64 and the crank plates to rotate as a unit. 'Bolts E1 and end plates 68 cooperate with hubs 69 on the crank plates 54 to hold these plates on the ends of the shaft 51. An extension of the pin 531) carries a roller 1| that cooperates with operating rollers 12 and 13, depending from limit-switches '14 and 16 (Figures 2, 16 and 2l) secured to the frame-35D by bolts 11 and 18. The switch 14 (Figures 16 and 2l) has a normally-closed contact 19 and a normally-open contact 8 I, the latter being closed by the roller 1| when the casting machine is in the starting position shown in Figure 24A. The switch 15 has a normally-closed contact 82 and a normally-open contact. 83, the latter being closed by the roller 1|, when the casting machine is in the positionishown in Figure 24B.

The worm wheel 64 rotates in one direction only and is driven by a worm 84 (Figures 2-and 16), which is driven by ak main operating motor 86 that is supported from a bracket 81 bybolts 83, the brackets being secured to the cross members 6|. The peripheries ofthe crank plates 54a and 54D form cam surfaces 89a and 89h respectively, which engage rollersA 9|a and 9|b secured to levers 92a and 92D. Operating the motor 86 causes the arms 38a and 38h and thus thev core 33, to move from the starting position shown in Figure 24A through the intermediatepositions shown in Figures- 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E, 24F, 24G and back to the starting position. When the core 33 is in the position shown in Figure 24F, the newly cast plate P is removed from the core 33 by means hereinafter fully described.

Locking the mold A locking mechanism 93 (Figures 2 and l5) mounted on the tie-rods 94, the ends of which -are supported by the side frames 39a and 30D,

opposite ends of the output shaft 99. The cranks drive a fork-shaped mechanism having a .horizontal member |0| andtwo arms |02a and |U2b, the latter being secured to the cranks by pins |03` Operating the motor Q'moves the cranks 98a and 98h from the vmold unlocked position shown in Figure 24B to the mold locked position shown in Figure 24C, and a second operation of the motor 96 in the same direction moves the cranks to the unlocked position shown in vFigure 24D. The crank 98a carries two cams |04 and |05 disposed at 18() degrees relationshipV kfor operating a limit-switch |06, and the crank 98D carries a cam |91 for operating a limit-switch |08. The switch |06 (Figure 2l) has a normallyopen contact |09 and a normally-closed contact I the latter being opened by the cam |05 when the mold is locked (see Figure 15), and by the cam |04 when the mold is unlocked. rihe switch |98 has a normally-closed contact |2 and anormally-open contact |3, the former being opened and the latter being closed by the cam |01;for a very short period of time just before the locking mechanism arrives at the unlocked position shown in Figure 24D. f

The lower end of a vertical rod H4 (Figures 2 and 15) is screwed into the central portion of the horizontal member 0|, and is locked thereto by a nut H6. The upper end of the rod ||4 (Figures 2 and 12) is adjustably screwed into one end of a lug H1, the other end of which is pivotally connected to one end of a yoke ||8 by a pin ||9. The yoke H8 is pivoted on a pin |2| supported from a bracket |22 (Figures 6 and 12), depending from the bottom of the back 32 and secured thereto by bolts |23. The yoke ||8 carries three spring pressed plungers |26, which, as hereinafter shown, assist in closing the bottom of the mold. Each plunger (Figure 4) has a head |21, a stem |28, and is movable in a hole |29 in the yoke H8. A compression spring |3| is positioned between the head |21 and the bottom of the hole |29 to normally bias the plunger in an up position. Nuts |32 are screwed to the lower end on the stem |28 to limit the motion of the plunger |26 by contacting the outside of the yoke H8. The yoke carries rollers |33a and |33b (Figure 12A) for engaging a pair of U- shaped lower locking cams |34a one of which is shown in Figure 12. These cams are formed as parts of a twin bracket |36a that is secured to the bottom of the core 33 by bolts |31. The yoke H8 also carries two pins |38a and |381)` (Figures 2 and 12A) that pivotally support a pair of horizontal levers |39a and |391), respectively (Figures 2 and 12A), the right ends of which, as viewed in Figure 2, are pivotally connected to short links |4|a that are pivotally supported by pins |42a carried by brackets 49a hereinbefore mentioned. The bottom ends of a pair of vertical rods |43a are pivotally connected to the horizontal levers |39a and |391) by means of pins |44a, and the upper ends of these vertical rods are pivotally connected to the ends of head locking levers |46a and |46b (Figure l), that are fulcrumed on pins |41a (Figure 2) supported from a top portion of the back 32 by brackets |48a and |48b (Figure 1). The free ends of the locking levers |46a and |46b are provided with U- shaped cams |49a for engaging rollers |5|a (Figure 2), carried by the brackets 43a and 43h.

Retractable registering pin The pins 31a and 31b (Figures 2, 12 and 14) are pivotally supported in brackets |56a and |5612 secured to the core 33 by bolts |51. The arms 38a and 381), by means of bolts |58 are fastened to opposite ends of a pivot mechanism |6| secured to the pins 31 by sei'l screws |62. The mechanism |6| has arms |63 and |64 separated by an angle of approximately 110 degrees. The upper arm |63 of the pivot mechanism, is pivotally connected to the lower end of a lever |66 by a pair of links |61, and pivot pins |68 and |69. The lever |66 is pivotally supported from the core 33 by a pin |1| and a bracket |12. The upper end of the arm |66 is pivotally connected to the outer end of a retractable registering pin |13 by a pair of links |14 and pins |16 and |11. The retractable pin is reciprocatably mounted in a bore |18 located at the center of the top of the core 33. When in the position shown in Figure 12, the pin enters a bore |19 in the top of the back 32, thus bringing the core into proper alignment with the back.

Tail gauge A means for closing the bottom of the semi- 6 circular casting chamber f3| is provided und the control of the pivot mechanism I6 the lower arm |64 of which is pivotally connected to the upper end of a telescoping rod |8| by a pin |82. The lower end of the rod |8| is pivotally connected to a lever |83 by a pin |84, and the lever |83 is pivotally supported from a pin |86 carried by a bracket |81 that is secured to the core 33 by bolts |88. A semi-circular tail plate |89, formed as a part of the lever |83, and having a semi-circular tail gauge |9|, beveled at |92, is thus swingable from the position shown in Figure 12 to that shown in Figure 13 by the operation of the mechanism |6|. The tail gauge is provided with a plurality of recesses or gates |93 through which molten metal may flow to ll the mold. After the mold is filled with metal, the metal in the gates |93 solidies, and forms relatively small tails T on the plate P (see Figures 13 and 19), which when cut off during a plate Vfinishing operation, will fall clear of the operating parts of the finishing machine.

Head gauge Means for closing the top of the casting chamber is provided and includes a beveled semicircular head gauge |94 (Figures 8, 9, 10 and 12) supported at opposite ends by a pair of guide blocks |96a and |96b secured thereto by bolts |91 and aligned therewith by keys |98. Each block is provided with a slot |99 (Figure 10) which receives a flattened portion of a plunger rod 20| which slides in a hole 202 in the back 32. The rod is provided with a shoulder 203 for engaging a coiled spring 204 to normally bias the rod, the

block |96 and head gauge |94 to the position shown in Figure 8. Locking nuts 206 are threaded to the opposite end of the rod 20|, and abut against a portion of the back 32 to thereby limit the movement of the rod. As the core 3'3 is moved toward the fully closed position, it abuts the head gauge |94, compresses the springs 204, and moves the head gauge to the position shown in Figure 9, closing the mold.

Side gauges Means for gripping opposite edges of the matrix and for closing the two vertical edges of the semi-circular casting chamber 3| include upper and lower hinge blocks 2|| (Figures 8, 9 and 11), secured to the back 32 by bolts 2|2, and provided with pins 2 3 that mount upper and lower hinges 2|4. The pins 2|3 are secured in the hinges by set screws 2|5. Bolts 2|1 carried by the upper and lower hinges, support on each side, a channelshaped outer-side gauge member 2|8 that extends from the top to the bottom of the back 32. The gauges 2|8 are normally biased to the position shown in Figure 8 by a plurality of plungers 2|9 abutting an inner gauge member or matrix clip 22| carried by the outer gauge member 2|8. The plungers 2|9 operate in holes 222 drilled into the back 32 and are pressed forward by compression springs 223. The matrix clips 22| are slidably held in the channel of the side gauge 2|8 by bolts 224 (Figures 10 and 11), extending through slotted holes 226 in the outer side gauge and into holes 221 in the inner gauge member 22|, and nuts 228 screwed to the bolts 224 are positioned in a counter-sunk portion of holes 221. A plurality of compression springs 220 (Figure 8), carried in holes 23 I, opening on an edge 232 of the clip 22 bias the clip to normally press the other edge thereof Iagainst the inside portion of the channel, thus forming a jaw 233 extending from 7 top to bottom of the mold for gripping one edge of the matrix M.

Two separate means are provided for moving the side gauges from the spring biased position shown in Figure 8. One of these include plates 234 carried at each side of the core 33 and positioned to engage pins 235 protruding from the side gauges 2|8. When the mold isfully closed by moving the back from the position shown in Figure 8 to the position shown in Figure 9, the plates 234 engage the pins 235 and close the side gauges by swinging them on their hinge pins 2|3. rThe other means for closing the side gauges include manually operated gauge locking handles 236, pivotally carried on xed shafts 231, that are secured on each side of the back 32 by bolts 238 (Figure 1l). Each locking handle includes a steel ball 239 (Figure '7) carried in a hole 24| and pressed against the shaft 231 by a spring 242 held in position by a set screw 243. Each ball engages a small recess 2&4 in the haft 231 to hold the handle in the normally open position. An arm 246 formed as a part of the handle 236 carries a button 241 (Figures 8, 9 and 1l) for engaging an operating button 248, of a normally closed limit switch 249e that is secured to the back 32 by bolts 25|. Placing the handles 236 as shown in Figure '1, opens the switches 249a and 24919 and prevents operation of all portions of the machine except the metal pump. A hole 252 in each handle 236 carries a plunger 253 that has a bifurcated end for mounting a roller 254. A shoulder 256 on the plunger 253 is engaged by a compression spring 255 that is retained in the hole 252 by a plug 251 screwed thereinto. When the handle 236 is swung from the position shown in Figure 8 toward the position shown in Figure '1, 'the spring pressed roller 254 engages a beveled edge 258 of the side gauge 2|8, and thus closes the side gauge. When the side gauge is fully closed, the roller 254 enters a recess 259 in the face of the side gauge and thus functions to hold the side gauge and the handle in the closed position shown in Figure r1.

When the side gauges 2|8 are closed by the plates 234 engaging the return pins 235, a pair of cam brackets 26| secured to the top and bottom of the back 32 at each side by bolts 262, engage rollers 263 supported respectively from the top and bottom of each matrix clip 22| by bolts 264. This causes the clips 22| to move a very short distance against the compression of the springs 229, and thus to open the jaws 233 Venough to release the grip of the side gauges on the matrix M. When each side gauge is closed by moving the handle 236, a boss `266 on the said handle engages a pin 261 (Figures 9 and 10) screwed into a throw-over lever 268 that is keyed to the top of a vertical shaft 269, which is supported from the back 32 by brackets 21| (Figure l1). A second throw-over lever 268 keyed to the bottom of the shaft 269 operates inv unison with the upper lever, and lips 212 thereon (Figure 7) engage pins 213 protruding from the matrix clip 22| through holes 214 (Figure 10) in the side gauge 218. Thus turning the shaft 269 and the throw-over levers 268 from the position shown in Figures 8 and 9 to the position shown in Figure 7, moves the clip 22| to open the jaw 233 to a greater degree than was done when the jaw was opened by the cams 26| and roller 263. Opening the jaws 233 by means of the handle 236 when the core is partly open as shown in Figure '7, allows the removal or insertion of a matrix M.

vtoa shaft 3|6 by bolts 3|1.

8 In addition to the interlock switches 249a and 249D associated with the handles 236, interlock switch 216 (Figure 1) is mounted on the top of the back 32 and manuallyy operated by a lever 211 hinged on a shaft 218. When the lever 211 is in the position shown by solid lines in Figures l and 2, the machine may be operated, but in vthis position the lever 211 interferes with insertion or removal of a matrix from the mold. Moving the lever to the position shown by dotted lines on vFigure 2, clears the way for inserting or removing a matrix, but operates the switch 216 to prevent operation of the mold.

Positioning matrix by vacuum As hereinbefore described, the matrix M is released from the jaws 233 by the cam 26| as the -mold is fully closed. When this occurs, the air back of the matrix is exhausted through a multiplicity of holes 219 (Figure 6) extending from the concave side of the vacuum section 36 to a system of exhaust ducts 28| that are connected by piping 282 with a vacuum pump 283 (Figure 22) driven by a motor 284. When suction is applied to the back of the `matrix M, a plurality of pins 286 (Figure 8), protruding from the vacuum section 36 engage matching holes in the edge of the matrix, and thus properly locate the matrix in the casting chamber. A vacuum switch 281 (Figure 2l) has a bellows 238 connected by a pipe 289 with the holes 219. When the matrix M is in proper position, the holes 219 are sealed and the bellows closes the switch 281.

Metal supply The means provided for supplying molten metal to the casting chamber 3|, which is formed when the core 33 is fully closed and locked to the back V32, includes a stereotype metal furnace 29| having a melting pot 292 heated by any suitable means. A thermostat tube with a bulb 293 (Figure 2) enclosed in a pipe 294 controls the operation of a metal pump' 296. If the temperature of the metal is too low for casting the metal pump will not start, and if it is running it will stop.

The centrifugal type hot metal pump 296 is employed (Figures 2 and 17) and under normal conditions it will run continuously during the casting of .a plurality of plates. It is driven by a motor 291 carried on a bracket 298 supported from vthe back 32 by bolts 299. Coiled springs 30| are positioned between the heads of the bolts 299 and the bracket 298, to provide a resilient mounting for the motor and pump. A housing 302 for a shaft 303 extends from the motor 291 to the pump 296, and at its lower end carries a bearing 304 for the lower end of the vertically positioned shaft 303. An impeller 306, secured to the end of the shaft by a key 301 operates in a pump housing, which has an inlet 308 and a flanged outlet 309, a flanged elbow 3H, and a pipe 3|2 extends upward to a coupling 3|3. A butterfly valve |54, is positioned in the pipe, and, as shown in Figure 18, includes a disc 3 I 4 secured One end of a rod 3|8 is clamped to the shaft 3|6 by a bolt 3|9, and the other end is pivotally secured to one end of an adjustable rod |53 that is pivotally connected to the center of a horizontal rod |52, which extends between the ends of levers |3911 and |391) (Figures 1 and 2). The arms and levers function to partly close the valve |54 when the mold is unlocked, thus limiting the amount of molten metal circulated by the pump, and reducing the current consumed by the pump motor 291.

From the coupling 3|3 a Y-shaped pipe 32| (Figure 5) having an inlet and two flanged outlets 322a and 322D, connects with the ilanged openings 323a and 3231), located on a, lower half 325 of a semi-circular spout 324, that is provided with an open duct 326. The lower half 325 of the spout is also provided with flanged outlets 321a `and 32112 from which depends a, U-shaped relief valve housing i328 having two flanged openings 329a and 32 9b secured to the two outlet ports 321a. and 321b by bolts 33|. A housing base 332 is secured to the bottom of the housing 328 by bolts 333, and at its lowermost point is provided with a discharge outlet i334 to which a return pipe 336 is attached, and has its lower or discharge end located below the surface of the metal within the melting pot 292. By the arrangement described, metal is circulated from below the surface of the molten metal and thus dross is not carried into the ducts or the mold.

The yoke IIS is provided with holes 3310. and 331D (Figure 3) which receives a pin 338 secured by set screws 339. The pin 338 supports a hollow spring retainer 34| that is internally threaded to receive a plug 342. The plug forms an abutment for a coiled compression spring 343, which resiliently supports a head 344 of a stem 346, the lower end of which protrudes downward through a hole 341 in the plug 342, and through a hole 348 in an upper portion of the housing 328. A nut 349 screwed on the bottom of the stem 346 supports a yoke 35|, the outer ends of which have holes 352 that receive the lower ends of valve stems 353a and 353i), each provided with a shoulder 354 and a nut 356. Valves 351e and 351D or other means of obstruction, each having a frustro-conical portion 358, are secured to the upper ends of the stems 353 by pins 359. The frustro-conical portion of the valves are lifted into engagement with valve seats 36|, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, when the yoke I I8 is raised to lock the mold. Thus closing the valves 351a and 351|), stops the ilow of hot metal to the return pipe 336 and forces it into the mold, but when the yoke ||8 is lowered, to unlock the mold, the Valves open and permit free circulation of molten metal from the pump 296 to the spout 324, and back to the pot 292 by way of the pipe 336.

A semi-circular upper portion 362 of the spout 324 is secured to the lower portion 325 by bolts 363 (Figures 4, 5, and 6), and is provided with a plurality of upwardly facing arcuate openings or ports 364, through which metal may flow to enter the bottom of the casting chamber 3| by way of the gates |93 hereinbefore described.V The upper portion 362 of the spout 324 has two radial lugs 366 (Figure 5) with vertical holes 361, and a lug 368 with an open sided hole 369. The lugs 366 and 368 receive stud bolts 31|, which are screwed into the bottom of the back 32, and thereby support the spout 324. The external diameter of Shanks 312 on the bolts 31| is less than the internal diameter of the holes 361 and 369, and the axial length of the shank 312`is greater than the thickness of the lugs. Thus, limited vertical and horizontal movements of the spout 324 with respe-ct to the back 32 is permitted. When the mold is locked as shown in Figure 24C, the yoke IIB is raised to the position shown in Figure 4, the heads |21 engage the bottom or lower half 325 of the spout, and the springs |3| press the upper portion 362 of the spout againstA ther tail plate |89 (Figure 6A) with the arcuate 10 openings 364 aligned with the gates |93 in the tail gauge.

When the mold is fully closed and locked, the butterily valve |54 will be open, the valves 351@ and 351b will be closed, and the metal pump 296 will force molten metal through the spout 324 and into the mold until it is lled, at which time the pressure of the metal on the top of the valves 351e and 351i) will overcome the spring 343 and force the valves open, permitting the excess metal to return to the pot 292 through the pipe 336.

From Figure 2, it will be seen that the metal pot 292 is supplied with a flanged portion 313 and if molten metal accidentally leaks from any parts of the metalcirculating system or from the mold 3|, it will fall into the pot.

The thermostat bulb 293 (Figures 2 and 17), responds to the temperature of the metal in the pot 292, and when the metal is at the correct temperature, it closes a switch 314 (Figure 2l), the function of which will be described hereinafter.

Cooling Means for cooling the metal in the mold after the mold is full, includes a plurality of water pockets 316 and 311 (Figure 6) in the back 32 and the core 33 respectively through which water is circulated through pipe connections not shown.

A solenoid operated water valve 318 (Figure 21) governs the flow of water through the water pockets, as well as through another water pocket 319 (Figures 6 and 6A) which is locate-d near the tail gauge |9|. Cooling water is carried to and from this pocket through pipes 380, one of which is shown in Figure 6. A thermostat bulb 446 for operating a switch 441 is located in the pocket 316 (Figure 6), and a second thermostat bulb 448 (Figure 6A) for operating a switch 449 is located near the pocket 319.

Plate discharge When the core 33 is in the approximately horizontal position shown in Figure 24F, plate receiving arms 38|a and 38|b (Figures 1 and 2) yengage opposite sides of the plate P, lift it from the core 33, and later depositr it on rollers 3820, and 3821) of an inclined conveyor 383. Since arms 38|a and 38| b are similar, only one will be described. The arm 38m pivotally supported from the side frame 39a on a stud 384e, has a number of lugs 386, and a plate stop 381 for supporting and engaging the plate P. A link 388a, pivotally connected at one end to the arm 38m by a pin 389e has its other end pivotally connected to one end of the lever 92a by a pin 39m. The lever 92a, is

pivotally supported from a lug 392 formed as part of the housing 59 hereinbefore mentioned. The

roller Sla is rotatably supported midway of the switch 393 prevents operation of the main motor 86 should a newly deposited plate fail to move down the conveyor 383.

Timer An instantaneous reset timer 400, arranged to open and close a plurality of electrical circuits for automatically controlling the casting operation,'is' shown yin Figure 23, and includes a asaa'ms n synchronous motor 40| for driving a worm 402, and a worm wheel 403 secured to a shaft 49E, the other end of which carries one member oi a magnetic clutch 491. The other member of the clutch 401 is secured to a shaft 468 on which are mounted switch operating cam discs 4| I 4|2, 4|3, 4|4, 4|5 and 4|6,A for operating switches 42|, 422, 423, 424, 425, and 42S respectively. The clutch 401 and motor 40| -are energized from the same electric circuit, and thus the clutch is closed whenever the motor 40| is operated. A spring 4|1 returns the shaft 408 and its discs to the starting position shown in Figure 23, whenever the clutch is deenergized. Switches 423 and 424are normally closed when the timer is in the reset position, and the switches 42|, 422, 425 and 426 are normally open.

Switches and relays A number of other items, shown only in Figure 2l, are provided in order that the casting machine may operate automatically. These include: A stop-run switch 421, which must be closed before the machine can be operated, and may be used in an emergencyfor stopping the machine at any point 1in its cycle of operation by cutting off all current supplied to it; a, pump button 428 for starting the metal pump; a metal pump relay having a solenoid 430 and four normally-'open switches 43|, 432, 433 and 434; a

resetting relay having a solenoid 440 and three normally-open switches 44|, 442 'and 443; a main control-relay having a solenoid 450 and two normally-open switches 45| and 452; a singlecontinuous switch 436, which when open causes the casting machine to be shut down after each plate has been cast, and when closed causes the casting machine to continue casting plates; a three-point cast button 431 for starting the casting operation; a plate-interlock relay having a solenoid 460... and two normally-open switches 46| and 462; a main motor-controlrelay having a solenoid 410, one normally-closed switch 41| and two normally-open switches 412 and 413; a locking-motor control-relay having a solenoid'480 and two normally-open switches 48| and 482; and a vacuum-pump relay having a solenoid 490 and two normally-open switches 49| and 492.

The `electrical connections are shown schematically in Figure 2l. For simplication, some of the electrically operated switch'contacts are shown associated with their operating coils but without connections, and again shown with connections at an appropriate place on the diagram. The same numerals identify the contacts in both ures 2 and 15) engages the switch |06 'and holds the contact open and the contact |09 closed. The 'cam |01 (Figure l5) is in the down position, but has passed its point of engagement with the switch |08,vso the contact ||2 is closed and the contact |3 open. With no plate on the conveyor 383, the switch 393 is closed.

If a matrix is not in place, one can be inserted by lifting the lever 211 and closing the handles 23E@ and 236b`(Figure 7). This procedure opens the jaws 2330. and 2331), and opens the safety switches 216, 249a and 24919 making it impossible to start the castingroperation. After the matrix has been positioned between the jaws, the lever 211 is swung downward closing the switch 216, and the handles 236er and 23612 are opened, thereby closing the matrix jaws and the switches 249a and 249i).

When the stop-run switch 421 is closed, the

solenoid 440 of the reset relay is energized by a circuit extending `from the line L| through a conductor 453,' the switches 216, 249a and 2491), a conductor 454, the contact 8|, a conductor 456, the solenoid 440, a conductor 451, the closed switch 423 and through the thermostat 314 to the line lll-2. Energizing the solenoid 440 closes the switch 44| and establishes a maintaining circuitfor the solenoid 440, that extends from the line L| through a branch of the conductor 453, through the switch 44| and thence through conductor 451, switches 423 and 314 to the line L-2. Energizing the solenoid 440 closes the switch 442 and prepares circuits for starting the metal pump motor 291 by the push button 428. Closing the push button 428 energizes the solenoid 430 of the lnetal pump relay by establishing a circuit that extends from the line L-|, through the switch 421, the push button 428, through the solenoid 430, and thence through the switches 442,

places, and all switches are shown as positioned when the machine is in the starting position and allcircuits deenergized.

Operation Figure 24A shows the casting machine in the starting position. In this position the roller 1| (Figure 16) contacts the roller 12 of the limit switch 14 and closes the contact 8|. If a matrix M is in place and the machine is ready for casting plates, the handles 23Go and.236b will be open (Figure 8), the switches 249a and 2491i, will be closed, and the lever 211 (Figure l) on top of the mold will be down closing the switch 216. If the stereotype metal in the pot 292 is heated to the proper temperature, the thermostat switch y314 (Figure 2) will be closed and the switches of deenergizecl timer 400 (Figure 23) will be in the position shown in Figure 21. Since the mold is unlocked, the cam |04 (Fig- 423 'and 314 to the line L-2. Energizing the solenoid-430 closes a switch v43| to establish a maintaining circuit that short circuits the pump push button 428, and also closes the switches 432- and 433 that energizes the pump motor 291 from the lines L-I, L-2 and L-3. Provided the control equipment functions properly, the metal pump will run continuously and circulate metal from the pot292 through the duct 325, past the valves 35M-351D, and back to the pot by means of the pipe336. If the metal pump should, stop during the casting operation, it can not be started again except when the core 33 is in the .starting position shown in Figure 24A.

If it is desired to cast only one stereotype plate the single-continuous switch 436 is opened. However, if more than one stereotype plate is required, the switch 436 is closed to the continuous position. This establishes a circuit in parallel with the contact 19 of the limit-switch 14, and thus nullies the opening of the contact 19 which occurs every time thecasting mold passes through the starting position. A casting cycle of operation is started by pressing the casting button 431. This completes a circuit through the solenoid 450 of the main control relay, extending from the line L-|, through the switch 421, conductor. 453, the switches 216, 249m and 24912, the casting button 431, conductor 458, the solenoid 450, and thence to the line L-2. Closing the casting-switch 431 also energizes the solenoid 460 of the plate-interloclc-relay by a circuit that extends yfrom the central contact of the casting switch 431, through a conductor 459, the solenoid 460, and thence to the line L-2. If no plate P is on the conveyor 383, and the contact I2 of the limit-switch |08 is closed, a maintaining circuit will be established for solenoid 460. This circuit extends from the line L--|, through the switch 421, conductor 453, switch 452 (then closed), through the switch 391, r thro-ugh the contact ||2, to a conductor 465, switch 46|, the solenoid 460, and thence to line L-2.

The simultaneous energization of the solenoid 450 and the solenoid 460 starts the main motor 86 by establishing a circuit through the contact 82. This circuit extends from the line L-l through switch 421, conductor 453, switch 452, through contact 82, a conductor 463, switch 462, solenoid 410 and thence to line llt- 2. Energizing the solenoid 410, closes switches 412 and 413 to connect the main motor 86 to the lines L-I, L-2 and L-3.

As the main motor 86 turns, the worm 84 and the Worm wheel 64 rotate the crank plates 54 (a) and 54 (b) in a counterclockwise direction, as seen in Figure 2, `to move the arms 38a and 3819 and the core 33 from the position shown in Figure Y 24A toward the position shown in Figure 24B. As soon as the crank plates have moved a short distance, the ro-ller 1| is disengaged from the limit-switch 14, which thereupon opens the contact 8| and closes the contact 19. This establishes a circuit that is in parallel with two of the contacts of the casting-button 431. The casting-button can now be released, because the contact 19 of the switch 14 will not be opened again until the casting machine has completed oner complete operatic-n and returned to the starting position. As the core 33 moves toward the closed position Figure 24B, the plates 234 (Figure 8) contact the pins 235 and move side gauges 2| 8 to the position shown in Figure 9.

At this time, the roller 1| (Figures 2 and 16) engages the limit-switch 16 opening the contact 82 and closing the contact 83. Opening the former stops the main motor 86 by deenergizing the solenoid 410. Closing the latter starts the timer 40!) (Figure 23) and the locking motor 96 (Figures 2 and l5). The timer is operated by the motor 40| and the clutch 401 from a circuit extending from line L-I through switch 421, conductor 453, switch 452, Contact 83, a conductor 464, the switch 443, the timer motor 40| and the clutch 401 in parallel, and thence to the line L-2. The locking motor is energized from a circuit extending from line L-I, through switch 421, conductor 453, switch 452, switch 16, contact 83, conductor 464, thermostat 449, a conductor 466, switch 41|, the intitially closed timer switch 424, aco-nductor 461, and through solenoid 488 to the line L-Z. Energizing the solenoid 480 closes the switches 48| and 482 and connects the locking motor 96 to the1inesL |,L-2 and L--sy Starting of the timer (Figure 23) closes ythe switch 42| and starts the vacuum pump 283 through a circuit from the line L-|, through the switch 421, coductor 453, switch 452, contact'J 83, a branch of conductor 464, timer switch 42|,'and thence through the solenoid 490 to the line 1;-2. The solenoid 490 closes switches 49| and 492 to connect the motor 284 to lines L-l, L-2 and L--3, and drives the vacuum pump to exhaust the spaces 219 and 28|, and pull the matrix against the back.

Immediately after the locking motor 96 (Figure 2) starts to lock the mold, the cam |04 (Figure 15) is disengaged from limit switch |06, opening contact |09 and closing contact Closing the latter establishes a circuit, for the solenoid 480, around timer switches 422 and 424 which open shortly thereafter, but the solenoid 480 remains energized through the contact I, and the locking motor 96 raises the rod ||4 (Figure 2) moving the yoke |18 to the position shown in Figure 12 and thereby engages the rollers |3311 and |33b with the lower cams |34@ and |3419, and the upper cams |49a and |4917 with the rollers |5| and |5|b, completing the locking movement. When the locking mechanism reaches the fully closed or locked position (Figure 24C), a cam |05 operates the switch |06, opens the contact and closes the contact |09. Opening the former, deenergizes the solenoid 480 and stops the locking motor 96, while closing the latter partially completes a circuit to the water-valve solenoid 318.

When the core 33 reaches the fully closed or locked position (Figure 24C) the cam bracket 26| (Figure 9) engages the roller 263 releasing the grip of the jaws 233 on the matrix M. When released, the matrix, guided by pins 286, is pulled against the back 32 by the suction of the vacuum pump. The bellows 288 is simultaneously exhausted, and the switch 281 thereby closed, short circuiting the switch 423 of the timer.

While the mold was being locked, the timer continued to operate and after a predetermined period it opens timer switch 423. If the matrix has not been positioned before the timer switch 423 opens, the metal-pump motor 291 will stop and cannot be started until the core 33 is moved to the starting position (Figure 24A). After the timer switch 423 has remained open for a certain time, it is again closed by continued operation of the timer, closure occurring before the switch 42! is opened by the cam 4| Soon after the switch 42| closes, the switch 422 closes re-establishing the main circuit to the solenoid 480.`

When the yoke IIB is raised by the mold locking mechanism, the springs |3| (Figure 12) press the spout 324 against the bottom of the core 33,

and align the ports 364 `with the gates |93 (Figure 6A). arms |53 and 3|8 to open the butterfly valve |54, and simultaneously raises the yoke 35| and the icy-pass valves 35111 and 351|). The metal pump 296 then -forces molten metal through the spout 324, the port 364, the gates |93 and into the casting chamber 3|. When the casting chamber is full, the pressure of the metal against the tops of the valves 351@ and 35117 forces them to open against the pressure of the spring 343, and thus to by-pass the excess metal. However, the pump continues to exert pressure on the metal in the casting chamber.

At this time, the timer switch 425 closes making a connection in the circuit of the solenoid operated valve 318, and if the thermostat switch 441 is closed, cooling water will flow through the water pockets 316 and 311 in the mold membersv34 and 33, but should the mold be too hot the thermostat will prevent opening the solenoid valve'318.

The circuit for the solenoid valve extends from the line L-|, through the switch 421, conductor 453, switch 452, contact 83, conductor 464, contact |09, switch 425, valve solenoid 318, and through the thermostat switch 441 to the line L-2. After the cooling water has been owing long enough to cool the plate P and solidify the tail T, the timer switch 425 opens and stops the ow of cooling water. At this time the thermostat switch 449 willhave closed, and closing of the timer switch 426I energizes the motor 96 to rstart unlocking the mold, by moving the parts toward the position shown in Figure 24D. The

Raising of the yoke H8 operates thel circuit that energizes the motor 96-includes the contact B3, conductor 464, thermostat switch 449,

switch 426, and the solenoid 480. If the temperature at the bulb 448 is too high to indicate solidication of the tails T, the switch 449 will be open, and the motor 96 will not unlock the mold until the tails solidify. The cams of the timer 400 areV preferably made adjustable so adjustments oftiming may be made if desired.

Shortly after the motor 96 starts to unlock the mold, the cam (Figure 15) is disengaged from the limit switch |06 closing contact I which parallels the switches 449 and 426 in circuit with the locking motor 96. Soon thereafter, the timerV switch 426 opens leaving the solenoid 480 for the locking motor 95v under control of the switch |06.

When the unlocking movement is almost completed, the cam |01 engages the limit switch |08v (Figure l5) for a short time. This opens Contactv Operating the locking mechanism from theA locked position (Figure 24C) to the unlocked position (Figure 24D), lowers the yoke ||8 and` thereby unlocks the top and bottom of the mold. Lowering the yoke separates the spout 324 from contact with the mold, opens the by-pass valves 351a and 351D, and closes the butterfly valve |54.

If a previously cast plate is on the conveyor 303 and engaging the switch 393 (Figure 2) at the time the contact ||2 opens, the solenoid 460 will be deenergized to stop the main motor 86. When such plate is removed from the conveyor,

the switch 393 closes, and operation'may be re-` sumed by pressing the cast button 431 energizing the solenoid 460 and starting the motor 86.

As the core and the newly cast plate are withdrawn from the back 32,'the side gauges 2 I3 are swung open by the springpressed plungers 2|9. This operation strips the matrix from the newly cast plate in a known manner, and as the main motor continues to operate the core is moved from the position shown in Figure 24D, through the position shown in Figure 24E, to the position shown in Figure 24F. It will be noted that the arms 33e-and 38h, in combination Awith the links 41a and 4119, move the core 33 and theA plate P from the vertical casting position to the approximately horizontal discharge position shown in Figure 24F. As the core and plate are swung and turned by this movement, the straight edges of the newly cast plate engage the lugs 386 on the arms 38|@ and 38|b, which separate the plate from the core. The top of the plate P which in this position is pointed downward on the conveyor, engages stops 381.(Figure 2), and' thus is held by the arms 38m and 38H3. As thel crank plates 54a and 54h continue to rotate, high portions of the cams 89a and 89h operate the cam rollers 9m and SII; to raise the arms Q2u-92h the links 38m-3385, and arms 38| :1f-38H), lifting the plate P out of the path of travel of the' core 33, as it returns to the starting position by the continued rotation of the crank plates. As soon as the core has cleared the plate (Figure 24G), the arms 38 |a-38Ib are lowered to slightly 16 below the position shown by solid lines in Figures 2 and 24A. This disengages the stops 301 from the plate and allows it to run down theconveyor 383, which may carry it to a finishing machine, not shown.

If the sing-le-cointinuous switch 436 is open, the core 33 is stopped in the starting position (Figure 24A), when the roller-1| engages the switch 14 and opens the contact 19, but if the vsingle-continuous switch is closed, the core continues its movement to the closed position (Figure 24B), and the cycle hereinbefore described will be repeated.

It will be understood that by the use or" any 'suitable switch mechanism, actuated by a counting device that can be set to cut off the current supplied to the machine after any predetermined number of plates have been cast, the machine may be started by the'operator, and casting will continue without further attention until the de-` sired number of plates are made.

A modied form of the plate discharge mechanisrn is shown in Figure 25. This, like the previously described form has corresponding front and back members and such members on only one side will be described. The device includes a crank plate 494 provided with a steep slope 495, that cooperates with a roller 496 carried at the ends of an arm 4911 formed integral with an arm 498, and constituting a bell crank arrangement which is pivotally mounted on a stud 499. The arm 498 is pivotally secured to one end of a rod 50| by a pin 502, and the other end of the rod 50| is pivotally secured to a pusher member 503 by a pin 504. The pusher 503 is pivotally supported from the side frame 30 by a stud 505, and the whole mechanism is biased by a spring 506, carried by a rod 501 pivotally connected to the arm 498 by a pin 508, the rod being supported in a hole 509 in a poppet 5| When the roller 496 runs down the slope 495, the spring 506 causes the member 503 to push the plate P, and start it rolling down the incline of the conveyor 383.

It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specic forms without ing chamber and a melting pot, and in combinal tion, a duct leading from and returning to the meltingr pot, means for maintaining a continuous circulation of metal through the duct comprising a continuously operable rotary pump in the melting pot for supplying metal thereto, the casting chamber having a port opening directly off the duct for filling the chamber from metal therein,

and a valve for obstructing the return through the duct, whereby the pressure in the duct adjacent the port may be raised to force the metal into the casting chamber.

2. The combination according to claim 1, comprising also a valve for obstructing the duct leading to the port for reducing the circulation when the casting chamber is open.

WILLIAM F. HUCK.v

(References on following page) 

